After releasing her debut album Purpose in 2008, Algebra Blessett is back and getting ready to drop a new mixtape called Dessert Before Dinner. "No Joke" is the first single from the new release and it''s sure to get your head nodding. Produced by LT Moe the track utlizes the beat from rap duo Eric B & Rakim''s classic "I Ain''t No Joke".

The goal of this project is to take a bunch of verses from different artists and try to craft an album as if they were all in the studio working together. Volume one focuses in on Mos Def, Common and Black Thought, 3 legendary emcees from Brooklyn, Chicago, and Philadelphia respectively.

"Adrenaline" - track 6 from the 10-track album:

If you''re a fan of those 3 artists, then you must check this out. Click here to listen and download for free!

I've always had an admiration of artists who attempt to cross the boundaries of their genre and venture out of their comfort zone to indulge in something new and exciting, not only for them but for their audience as well. This admiration is punctuated by the fact that not everyone who does this is successful at it. In fact, in my experience I''ve seen more failures and mediocre offerings then I have anything else (see The Hip Hop Violinist [Explicit]). That being said, Robert Glasper''s Black Radio has definitely taken its place among the ranks of high quality music.

If you’re a fan of Common, then by now you''ll most likely have noticed there is a pattern with him and his work: He''ll put out maybe one or two quality, dope albums in a row, then get comfortable and try to branch out a bit and do something experimental, then after an overall lukewarm reception from the fans, goes right back in and cranks out another gem to make up for the last one. The Dreamer, The Believer is the fruits of his labor after the experiment, and true to the pattern he has established for himself, it is indeed a gem.

Make sure you come check out the Grammy nominated Lalah Hathaway live in concert on February 23rd at Martha''s Lounge & Bistro, in Columbus, OH. Lalah released Where It All Begins in October of 2011, an album that has several up-tempo gems like "If You Want To" and a newly arranged and recorderd version of "I'm Coming Back" which features the dynamic vocalist, Rachelle Ferrell. If you ever had the chance to see her live, you know she puts on one heck of a show.

For more info and to purchase your tickets, go here. Get them now because they are selling fast.

Click below to hear "I'm Coming Back" which is currently in rotation on MO'Betta Music Radio!

Arriving early at the Scarlet & Grey Café on that Monday night, found you facing a dimly lit stage set with blue lights shining perfectly on a drum set, saxophone, a few boards including a Roland Juno-60 and a Mac laptop. This small venue located on The Ohio State University campus at the corner of N. High St. and Norwich, started to fill in slowly to see the Grammy nominated producer Nicolay with The Hot at Nights. The folks slipping in seemed to be mainly comprised of music aficionados that really follow these artists, anxious to experience an intimate groove on this brisk January night.

RaVaughn is the newest Compound University/Columbia Records signee who we need to keep an eye on because I definitely feel she''s up next. The up and coming singer/songwriter steps on the scene strong letting the world know she is tired of dealing with the same ol'' BS from men. The video features a cameo from Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Ne-Yo.

Make sure you support this brotha. This album is packed with features from your favorite soul/neo soul artists like Erykah Badu, Bilal, Meshell Ndegeocello, Chrisette Michele, Stokely Williams and more!